### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qodqôd**, represented by `{{H6936}}`, refers specifically to the **crown of the head**, pate, or scalp. Its base definition suggests it is the part of the head most bowed in reverence. The term appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating a specialized but significant usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6936}}` serves as a focal point for both blessing and judgment. It is the place upon which patriarchal blessings are conferred, as when Joseph receives blessings on his **head** and the **crown of the head** ([[Genesis 49:26]], [[Deuteronomy 33:16]]). Conversely, it is also a target for divine wrath and retribution. This is seen when an enemy's violent dealing comes down upon his own **pate** [[Psalms 7:16]], when God wounds the **hairy scalp** of the unrepentant [[Psalms 68:21]], and when judgment is prophesied against the **crown of the head** of the daughters of Zion [[Isaiah 3:17]] and the enemies of Israel [[Jeremiah 48:45]]. The term is also used to express totality, describing conditions that affect a person from the sole of the foot to the **crown of the head** ([[2 Samuel 14:25]], [[Job 2:7]], [[Deuteronomy 28:35]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and context of `{{H6936}}`:
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh** (head): Often used in parallel with `{{H6936}}`, this is the general term for **head**. It can signify the whole head, while `qodqôd` specifies the very top, as seen in the blessing of Joseph [[Genesis 49:26]].
* `{{H3709}}` **kaph** (sole): Defined as the hollow of the hand or **sole** of the foot, this word is used in contrast to `qodqôd` to denote the full physical extent of a person, from bottom to top ([[Job 2:7]], [[2 Samuel 14:25]]).
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (smite): This root word for striking or wounding is directly associated with actions against the **crown**. The LORD `{{H3068}}` is said to **smite** a person from the sole of the foot to the top of the head with boils `{{H7822}}` as a curse [[Deuteronomy 28:35]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6936}}` is concentrated on its role as a point of contact for divine action:
* **Apex of Blessing:** As the highest point of the body, the **crown of the head** is symbolically the prime location to receive blessings. This is most prominent in the case of Joseph, who, as one "separated `{{H5139}}` from his brethren `{{H251}}`," receives blessings upon his **crown** ([[Genesis 49:26]], [[Deuteronomy 33:16]]).
* **Target of Judgment:** Just as it receives blessing, the **crown** is also the target for curses and judgment. It is where God will **smite** the prideful with a scab [[Isaiah 3:17]], where a flame will **devour** the tumultuous [[Jeremiah 48:45]], and where the mischief `{{H5999}}` of the wicked ultimately returns [[Psalms 7:16]].
* **Embodiment of Totality:** The use of `qodqôd` in the phrase "from the sole `{{H3709}}` of his foot unto his **crown**" establishes a concept of completeness. This can describe total physical perfection, as with Absalom's `{{H53}}` lack of any blemish `{{H3971}}` [[2 Samuel 14:25]], or total affliction, as with the boils `{{H7822}}` covering Job `{{H347}}` [[Job 2:7]].
### Summary
In summary, **qodqôd** `{{H6936}}` is more than an anatomical term. It functions as a powerful biblical symbol for the highest point of an individual, making it the definitive place for receiving either the fullest measure of divine favor or the finality of divine judgment. Whether signifying the destination of a patriarchal blessing, the target of a curse, or the upper limit of a person's physical being, the **crown of the head** represents the apex where God's will is manifest upon a person in its totality.
TRV